Let’s talk about something gross but real — toenail fungus. Yeah, that yellow, thick, stubborn thing that just doesn’t go away. I’ve had it for years. Tried the creams, the oils, even the “miracle” stuff you see online. It helps, sometimes, but the truth is, once it’s in there, it takes serious consistency (and patience) to beat it.
It probably started from the mats. We all train barefoot, sweat everywhere, and sometimes hit a nail or two during rolls. Then there’s the gym showers — warm, damp, perfect breeding ground for fungus. Add a shared nail clipper or not drying your feet properly after training, and boom — you’ve got yourself a long-term guest.
Here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way): Don’t ever share your nail clippers. Not even with your closest training partner. I don’t care if they’re clean — fungus spreads through tiny spores you can’t see.Always wear flip-flops or slides in the gym shower. Walking barefoot around those tiles is basically asking for it.Use soap. I know it sounds obvious, but I see too many people just rinse and go. Get between your toes, scrub, and dry properly after.If you already have it, trim your nails short (with your own clippers), keep them clean, and give them time to breathe. You don’t have to hide it, but you also don’t want to spread it.
Toe fungus might not stop you from training, but it’s one of those things that makes you feel gross every time you look down. And it’s 100% avoidable if you take care of your feet properly.
So yeah, we all worry about our guard, passing, or that new sweep — but start paying attention to your feet too. They’re on the front lines every time you hit the mats.
Stay clean. Train hard. Wear your slides.
Oss
